Lycoming PT: Is Your Back Pain Slowing You Down?

Lycoming PT: Is Your Back Pain Slowing You Down?

N EWS L E T T E R T H E N E W S L E T T E R A B O U T Y O U R H E A L T H A N D C A R I N G F O R Y O U R B O D Y

It’s the end of the day, your head is pounding and your neck is aching. Was it the work you were doing? Was it the stress or the way you were sitting? Your neck is an intricate structure with hundreds of muscles and nerves. The joints in your neck provide movement, while the discs in between ... ” (continued inside)

IS YOUR BACK PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN?

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N EWS L E T T E R T H E N E W S L E T T E R A B O U T Y O U R H E A L T H A N D C A R I N G F O R Y O U R B O D Y

INSIDE: • How To Take Better Care Of Your Back • Exercise Essentials (continued from outside) ...the bones give support and shock absorption. In today’s world of sitting for long periods at work, being on your computer and at home watching TV, your neck muscles, joints and nerves can become strained. IS YOUR BACK PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN?

• Staff Spotlight • Patient Success Story

What Causes Back Pain? The forward head position puts a strain on the neck muscles, resulting in general muscle tension in the head. A few things cause back pain. The American Physical Therapy Association covers each of these, but the following are leading causes:

• Spinal & core muscle weaknesses • Bad posture • Spinal muscle & tissue damage

• Improper lifting form • Limited hip, spine, & thigh muscle flexibility • Bad abdominal, pelvic, & back muscle coordination

OVER 80 PERCENT OF THE U. S . POPULAT ION WI LL SUFFER FROM I T AT SOME POINT IN THE IR L I FET IME .

Back pain can hinder your day-to-day activities. Left untreated, it can even lead to long-term joint, spine and nerve damage. As one of the most common physical complaints, over 80 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime. The pain itself can hinder your ability to reach, lean, kneel, lift or bend. It can also hinder your time spent with friends and family. Direct pain aside, minor aches and cramps associated with a back pain problem can make you irritable— ruining your good time.

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seek treatment when back pain arises. Before they know it, they have a big problem. They might assume nothing—except for medication—can solve their back pain problem. Medication might mask the pain, but it won’t cure the problem’s root cause.

Get Moving Today with Lycoming Physical Therapy!

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HOW TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOUR BACK

You’re in luck: Back pain can be cured! The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke covers a number of back pain remedies. These include the use of strength exercise, physical therapy and medication. Where medication is considered, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesic medications and counterirritants are the most popular. Before you can treat your back pain, however, you need to know why it started. Whether you’ve tweaked a muscle or have a deeper injury, a spine specialist can help. Back Pain Prevention A little prevention goes a long way. If you want to avoid future back pain, you can make sure you’re being good to your back. 1. Lift Properly You pick things up constantly. Even if you’re lifting something light, make sure you’re facing the object. Squat, keeping your spine straight. Lift with your leg muscles, as this will reduce the pressure placed on your spine. 2. Use Good Posture When you’re standing, imagine a string is attached to the top of your head, lifting you up. This will keep your hips, spine, shoulders and neck aligned. If you’re sitting, don’t slouch.

3. Use Strength Training Your body has hundreds of muscles. These muscles protect and control your spine. By lifting weights, running and swimming, you can keep them strong. Train your core muscles. In doing so, you’ll easily control quick, lifting movements.

Sources http://www.apta.org/

https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet

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RECIPE: GRI LLED SHRIMP TACOS

EXERCISE ESSENT IALS

• Juice of 3 limes, divided • kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled • 1/4 head red cabbage • 1/4 c. mayonnaise • 1 tbsp. Sriracha • 4 medium tortillas

HELPS BACK PAIN

www.simpleset.net

TRUNK FLEXION | TO FLOOR Sit in a chair with good posture. Hands on your thighs. Let your trunk sag toward the floor use your arms to control the movement. Let your arms dangle to the floor. Now use your arms to push yourself up.

INGREDIENTS • 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil • 3 tbsp. chopped cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cilantro, and 1/3 of the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to a baking dish and pour over the mixture. Toss until completely coated and let marinate for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, make the slaw: In a large bowl, toss cabbage with mayo, remaining lime juice and Sriracha. Season with salt. Heat grill to high. Skewer shrimp and grill until charred, 3 minutes per side. Grill tortillas until charred, 1 minute per side.

CAL L TODAY !

PATIENT SUCCESS STORY STAFF SPOTLIGHT

ROB BURGER PT, DPT, OCS, OWNER

As a physical therapist, I aim to bring together a combination of faith, science, and the art of physical therapy. We have all been blessed with certain gifts, talents, and skills. I have received a thorough education in the body’s systems and their interactions. Current research coupled with the God-given gifts for healing creates a dynamic combination we use to help you get better! After office hours are done I enjoy spending time with my family the other #1 priority (beyond church – you know God and country are first, family and friends second and I am third). We coach our children’s soccer teams and play an active role in their academics or other sports teams. We are either doing homework in the gym or in cars on the way to various events – the emphasis being that we are doing these things together. In our spare time, Patti sings in several church choirs and praise bands while I teach Sunday school and serve on several committees. Ashley is our oldest followed by Alyssa and Josh – all are wonderful children with bright futures. We have been truly blessed in all aspects of our lives and pray that you to will receive similar blessings. God Bless!

“My treatment at Lycoming Physical Therapy, and with Dr. Rob Burger is putting “living” back in my life. When an unexpected accident left me with numbness and constant pain in my back, leg, and foot, I was unable to carry out even the most basic functions without assistance. Previous physical therapy left me with no relief and few lasting results. However, Dr. Burger’s comprehensive knowledge of the body, the mechanics of motion, and the most complex relationship of muscles and nerves are unrivaled... truly a gift! His continued investment in my care, despite my complex situation and the long road of recovery, is transforming my life. Through his evaluation and guidance, my work with him is decreasing my pain, restoring feeling in my leg and foot, rebuilding muscle, and dramatically improving the quality of my life.” - Lycoming Patient “HIS CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN MY CARE, DESPITE MY COMPLEX SITUATION AND LONG ROAD OF RECOVERY, ARE TRANSFORMING MY LIFE.”

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LYCOMING PHYSICAL THERAPY - THE STORY

While sitting in class my last year of physical therapy school, I felt a little voice inside telling me that we were being groomed for private practice. As I gained experience in various settings (orthopedics, work-related injuries, sports injuries, wound care, home health, etc.) I felt the need to expand and branch out. I managed a satellite center for The Williamsport Hospital which gave me a taste of private practice - what a thrill!! I then became the Chief Physical Therapist a Muncy Valley Hospital for a year- the frustrations grew. Finally, Patti and I answered that little voice inside and investigated the possibilities of opening a private practice. After months of prayer and discussion with family, friends, and business people, we took a huge leap of faith - literally! We opened Lycoming Physical Therapy in June of 1993. Since that time we have been tremendously blessed with a dynamic friendly staff that takes a genuine interest in our most valued asset - our patients. We work hard to provide the best physical therapy care possible. Our staff often researches new techniques and skills to complement the annual continuing education courses we attend. Communication also plays a critical role in your care - communication with physicians, employers, coaches, etc. occurs regularly. This

keeps all parties informed and allows proper efficient treatment to occur. We also strive to keep abreast of insurance regulations and trends - another often overlooked portion of your care. What do we stand for? Quality physical therapy care based on the latest research given in a friendly atmosphere centering our care on you the patient. On our website we offer you the finest staff in the county and a brief glimpse of our extended family. We also offer to you our Core Values, our Vision, and our Mission. If you need anything please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with me. We thank you for your interest in our practice. We hope and pray for you and your needs.

God Bless Rob Burger PT, DPT President/Owner